Dirt road grading

[taylorjm]

This is what the road looks like.

[zippy1]

Originally Posted by taylorjm

This is what the road looks like.

Don't look to bad to me.
Up at our cabin, the driveway going in was hard packed, and couldn't do much with the push blade. So used a one section from a spring tooth drag. Back and forth with the drag adjusted pretty aggressively, loosened the soil up easily.
Then finished up the leveling with the push blade. That's what we had, so that's what we used...

[DieselDoctor]

TaylorJM - watch Ebay for that box blade from Impact Implements like I posted pics of. They frequently list one as a no reserve 99 cents starting amount auction. That's how I got mine for less than $300. I'm very pleased with it and they are built very rugged. If you would like better pictures or close-ups of anything, shoot me a PM with your direct e-mail address and I'll send what ever you'd like to see. Stan

[drcjv]

I have a 400' stone drive and large stone area between my out buildings. It is not cheap but what I bought works like a charm and I pull it with my supers with no problem. I bought a 48" DR power grader. One of the best tools I ever bought. Takes out pot holes beautifully. Depth level is adjustable from your seat. I think they now make a manual adjusted model that is less expensive. It does not matter how hard packed it is it will pull it up. Manual $600 power $900 both with use for a year if not happy send back. I had a box blade for my bigger tractor this works better. I added a few cinder blocks for weight. I know it might look small but it works great. Over the years I have had multiple people stop and ask how I was able to get the driveway so smooth. Had offers to pay to come do their drives.

http://www.drpower.com/power-equipment/power-graders/

[taylorjm]

Thanks for the tips. I'll keep an eye out on the Impact Implements one. I've seen the dr grader models and couldn't figure out why they were so much more and worked better. Adjusting the height wouldn't be an issue with the 3 pt hitch I can raise the spikes, but I'll look again. I see them used once in awhile.

[taylorjm]

So, to add to the original question, a stupid follow up. When you use the 3pt hitch for something like a grader, do you have to remove the mower deck? The tractor is an hour away, so I can't look, and I can't remember if the deck and hitch both go up/down, or if they are reversed.

[J-Mech]

Better to remove the deck on a 2182. Could probably screw the adjustment knob all the way up and hold it, but if you have a 60" Haban on it, it's too hard on the subframe to carry it. Plus, it won't lift very high, and who wants the headache of readjusting it all the time. Deck and 3pt are the same lift.

[Rescue11]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Deck and 3pt are the same lift.

Not on my 1864

[taylorjm]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Better to remove the deck on a 2182. Could probably screw the adjustment knob all the way up and hold it, but if you have a 60" Haban on it, it's too hard on the subframe to carry it. Plus, it won't lift very high, and who wants the headache of readjusting it all the time. Deck and 3pt are the same lift.

Yeah, that's what I figured. I've only taken the deck off once and put it back on and it was a pain in the butt, but I haven't figured out the best way yet. I know I took out too many parts last time. I guess I'll get to practice!